USC lands junior righthander

By Phil Kornblut

Per John Whittle of TheBigSpur.com, RHP Clarke Schmidt of Acworth, GA has committed to USC for the 2014 class. His older brother is Clemson pitcher Clate Schmidt. He picked the Gamecocks over Georgia, Clemson, Ole Miss and Auburn.

Here's what PerfectGame.com had to say about Schmidt: Slender young build, minimal present strength. Back turn/rock back delivery, long deep arm action, lands open out front, high 3/4's to over the top release point, best stuff from lower slots. Consistent 82-84 mph fastball, mostly straight, curveball flashes good spin from lower slots, good shape and depth, around the plate with all pitches. 7.18 runner, shows his arm strength from both infield and outfield, actions and athleticism best suited for third base. Right handed hitter, aggressive swing, good looseness out front, sets up at front of batter's box, consistent pull line drive contact, will improve with additional strength. Improving every time out. Good student.

OL Branton Autry (6-4 320) of Coffeyville JC, KS is getting a lot of interest from USC these days and when he gets around to deciding on official visits he will take this summer and fall, he's confident the Gamecocks will get one.

Laurens DB Thomas Jones (6-3 200) is gaining momentum in recruiting circles. He recently was offered by North Carolina and Saturday he picked up an offer from USC while attending a junior day. He also has offers from Duke, Charlotte and Miami of Ohio and Clemson is showing some interest. He plans to go to Clemson for the spring game April 11th.

6-4 Jamall Gregory of Washington, DC made an official visit to USC over the weekend with his mother and he's now ready to make his college decision. Gregory said he plans to decide between the Gamecocks and Kansas State between now and Wednesday. He has not yet visited Kansas State.

Goose Creek DE Javon Kinlaw (6-7 265) has had USC at the top of his list since the Gamecocks were the first to offer him in August 2014. And he went to the Gamecocks' junior day Saturday thinking he might be ready to commit. But that didn't happen Saturday and Kinlaw say no commitment is coming from him anytime soon.

Conway WR Bryan Edwards (6-3 208) attended USC's junior day Saturday with the Gamecocks and Georgia at the top of his list and hoping to get some clarity about his recruiting. Apparently things became real clear to him on this visit because Edwards committed to the Gamecocks.